Environmental Impacts of Tar Sands Mining

The video discusses the environmental and health impacts of tar sands mining, focusing on its water and energy-intensive nature. It highlights the challenges of both surface and in-situ mining techniques, including landscape disruption and water contamination. The video also addresses the health concerns of local populations due to chemical exposure and cancer clusters.

What is one of the main environmental concerns associated with oil shale and tar sands mining?

• It is highly beneficial for local wildlife.

• It requires minimal land disturbance.

• It significantly reduces air pollution.

• It can be very destructive to the environment.

Why is the extraction process of oil from tar sands considered water-intensive?

• It uses water to generate electricity.

• It involves water for transportation of materials.

• It requires a large amount of hot water to extract bitumen.

• It uses water to cool down the equipment.

What is a significant challenge of using water in the extraction process of tar sands?

• Water is only used for cooling purposes.

• Contaminated water can affect local water supplies.

• There is an abundance of water in the extraction areas.

• Water is not reusable after extraction.

How much rock needs to be moved to extract one gallon of oil from tar sands?

• Half a ton of rock

• Two tons of rock

• Three tons of rock

• One ton of rock

What is a consequence of the energy-intensive nature of tar sands extraction?

• It reduces the carbon footprint.

• It enhances biodiversity.

• It leads to significant landscape disruption.

• It requires minimal energy input.

What is a key feature of in-situ mining techniques?

• It requires no water usage.

• It involves surface mining.

• It uses cold water for extraction.

• It injects hot water and steam underground.

What is a challenge associated with in-situ mining techniques?

• It is easy to control water flow underground.

• It requires no pressure management.

• It completely avoids water contamination.

• It can lead to water contamination in aquifers.

What is one of the additional issues faced by native populations due to tar sands mining?

• Decreased water availability

• Improved air quality

• Elevated levels of certain chemicals in water

• Increased agricultural productivity

What health issue has been observed in villages downstream from tar sands mining?

• Improved public health

• Increased cancer clusters

• Reduced disease incidence

• Decreased life expectancy

What is a common environmental impact of tar sands mining on local water sources?

• Elevated chemical levels

• Decreased water contamination

• Increased water availability

• Improved water quality